Commentaire par chapitre
Proverbs Chapitre 25
1
Pr 25:1-28.
2
Sans titre
2. God's unsearchableness impresses us with awe (compare
Isa 45:15; Ro 11:33).
But kings, being finite, should confer with wise counsellors;
3
Sans titre
3. Ye wisely keeping state secrets, which to common men are as inaccessible heights and depths.
4
Sans titre
4, 5. As separating impurities from ore leaves pure silver, so taking from a king wicked counsellors leaves a wise and beneficent government.
5
Sans titre
5. before--or, "in presence of," as courtiers stood about a king.
6
Sans titre
6, 7. Do not intrude into the presence of the king, for the elevation of the humble is honorable, but the humbling of the proud disgraceful
(Lu 14:8-10).
8
Sans titre
8. (Compare
Pr 3:30).
lest . . . shame--lest you do what you ought not, when shamed by defeat, or "lest thou art shut out from doing any thing."
9
Sans titre
9, 10. (Compare
Mt 5:25,
Margin).
secret--that is, of your opponent, for his disadvantage, and so you be disgraced, not having discussed your difficulties with him.
11
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11. a word fitly--literally, "quickly," as wheels roll, just in time. The comparison as apples . . . silver gives a like sense.
apples, &c.--either real apples of golden color, in a silver network basket, or imitations on silver embroidery.
12
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12. Those who desire to know and do rightly, most highly esteem good counsel
(Pr 9:9; 15:31).
The listening ear is better than one hung with gold.
13
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13. Snow from mountains was used to cool drinks; so refreshing is a faithful messenger
(Pr 13:17).
14
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14. clouds--literally, "vapors"
(Jer 10:13),
clouds only in appearance.
a false gift--promised, but not given.
15
Sans titre
15. Gentleness and kindness overcome the most powerful and obstinate.
long forbearing--or, "slowness to anger"
(Pr 14:29; 15:18).
16
Sans titre
16, 17. A comparison, as a surfeit of honey produces physical disgust, so your company, however agreeable in moderation, may, if excessive, lead your friend to hate you.
18
Sans titre
18. A false witness is as destructive to reputation, as such weapons to the body
(Pr 24:28).
beareth . . . witness--literally, "answereth questions," as before a judge, against his neighbor.
19
Sans titre
19. Treachery annoys as well as deceives.
20
Sans titre
20. Not only is the incongruity of songs (that is, joyful) and sadness meant, but an accession of sadness, by want of sympathy, is implied.
21
Sans titre
21, 22. (Compare
Mt 5:44; Ro 12:20).
As metals are melted by heaping coals upon them, so is the heart softened by kindness.
23
Sans titre
23. Better, "As the north wind bringeth forth
(Ps 90:2)
or produces rain, so does a concealed or slandering tongue produce anger."
24
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24. (Compare
Pr 21:9, 19).
25
Sans titre
25. (Compare
Pr 25:13).
good news--that is, of some loved interest or absent friend, the more grateful as coming from afar.
26
Sans titre
26. From troubled fountains and corrupt springs no healthy water is to be had, so when the righteous are oppressed by the wicked, their power for good is lessened or destroyed.
27
Sans titre
27. Satiety surfeits
(Pr 25:16);
so men who are self-glorious find shame.
is not glory--"not" is supplied from the first clause, or "is grievous," in which sense a similar word is used
(Pr 27:2).
28
Sans titre
28. Such are exposed to the incursions of evil thoughts and successful temptations.
Pr 25:1-28.
1. The character of these proverbs sustains the title (see
Introduction).
also--refers to the former part of the book.
copied out--literally, "transferred," that is, from some other book to this; not given from memory.